new DriveSmart7 from Walmart, first gps owned

[John B. Smith]

I finally scratched the itch to own a gps. I have not much use for one
as don't take many trips, but just once in a while one might come in
handy. Price was a whopping $229, in Walmart no less. First nasty
surprise was trying to update. Garmin said my WinXP was unsuitable and
wouldn't touch it. Which I find very cheesy and cheap. However i
double boot with Win7 and Garmin accepted that and i got updated with
the new maps and whatever improvements to the device they'd made.

It told me my USB connection on my desktop was not sufficient to
charge the device. I was surprised as it charges most everything else.
And the only other way to charge it, that I currently have, is to plug
it into 12v outlet on the car. Of course this RUNS the device fine,
but on the 15 minute trips I take around town the device never reaches
full charge. The 12v car outlet turns off when I turn the ignition
off. Is there something available that you can buy and plug into a
120v wall outlet that has a USB outlet to charge this thing? Also
there appears to be no way to see how much charge the thing has. Or
maybe the battery icon changes color or something?

Next irritation was the crankiness of the gps's screen buttons. I
mostly have been using its Voice Command to input destinations, but as
far as 'Shaping' one of their chosen routes the touch screen is quite
infuriating. I looked up a cell phone stylus on Amazon (I don't have a
real cell phone, just an emergency Trakfone, no data plan). Does
anyone use this stylus gimmick to input their trips? I find the
typewriter thing for addresses to be impossibe for my human-sized
fingers. Keeps jumping to another screen.

Of course I don't think I've ever encountered a touch screen (I don't
own one, except this new gps) that wasn't a pain in the ass.

Volume is not loud enough with windows open. I tried to ascertain
volume on these devices before I purchased but it was impossible. I am
seriously deaf, two $2000 hearing aids, still don't hear worth a damn.
The gps has BLUETOOTH (wow!!). My new car has BLUETOOTH (wow!!). But
of course they can't talk to each other and get the gps to talk thru
the car speakers. It seems anything BLUETOOTH (wow!!) has to do with
cell phones and probably doesn't work worth a shit with them either.

I have no interest in getting traffic alerts.

So I almost returned the thing to Walmart because it was pissing me
off so much. But I guess I got hooked on the little toy. I've wasted
FAR more money on my other electronic crap.

I've ordered a 9" flexible windshield mount off ebay
https://www.ebay.com/itm/IG2-22A-Flexible-9-windshield-mount-for-Garmin-Nuvi-DEZL-NuviCAM-GPS/330606346189?hash=item4cf9ac7fcd:g:iEEAAMXQrNtR3v9x
I looked at stuff that sits on your dash but most people seem to find
they slide around or discolor you dash if they glue down. Would anyone
else like to share what they use for a gps mount?

I've had the gps for about a week, still haven't taken a trip more
than 20 miles.

[Frank]

Post by John B. Smith
I finally scratched the itch to own a gps. I have not much use for one
as don't take many trips, but just once in a while one might come in
handy. Price was a whopping $229, in Walmart no less. First nasty
surprise was trying to update. Garmin said my WinXP was unsuitable and
wouldn't touch it. Which I find very cheesy and cheap. However i
double boot with Win7 and Garmin accepted that and i got updated with
the new maps and whatever improvements to the device they'd made.
It told me my USB connection on my desktop was not sufficient to
charge the device. I was surprised as it charges most everything else.
And the only other way to charge it, that I currently have, is to plug
it into 12v outlet on the car. Of course this RUNS the device fine,
but on the 15 minute trips I take around town the device never reaches
full charge. The 12v car outlet turns off when I turn the ignition
off. Is there something available that you can buy and plug into a
120v wall outlet that has a USB outlet to charge this thing? Also
there appears to be no way to see how much charge the thing has. Or
maybe the battery icon changes color or something?
Next irritation was the crankiness of the gps's screen buttons. I
mostly have been using its Voice Command to input destinations, but as
far as 'Shaping' one of their chosen routes the touch screen is quite
infuriating. I looked up a cell phone stylus on Amazon (I don't have a
real cell phone, just an emergency Trakfone, no data plan). Does
anyone use this stylus gimmick to input their trips? I find the
typewriter thing for addresses to be impossibe for my human-sized
fingers. Keeps jumping to another screen.
Of course I don't think I've ever encountered a touch screen (I don't
own one, except this new gps) that wasn't a pain in the ass.
Volume is not loud enough with windows open. I tried to ascertain
volume on these devices before I purchased but it was impossible. I am
seriously deaf, two $2000 hearing aids, still don't hear worth a damn.
The gps has BLUETOOTH (wow!!). My new car has BLUETOOTH (wow!!). But
of course they can't talk to each other and get the gps to talk thru
the car speakers. It seems anything BLUETOOTH (wow!!) has to do with
cell phones and probably doesn't work worth a shit with them either.
I have no interest in getting traffic alerts.
So I almost returned the thing to Walmart because it was pissing me
off so much. But I guess I got hooked on the little toy. I've wasted
FAR more money on my other electronic crap.
I've ordered a 9" flexible windshield mount off ebay
https://www.ebay.com/itm/IG2-22A-Flexible-9-windshield-mount-for-Garmin-Nuvi-DEZL-NuviCAM-GPS/330606346189?hash=item4cf9ac7fcd:g:iEEAAMXQrNtR3v9x
I looked at stuff that sits on your dash but most people seem to find
they slide around or discolor you dash if they glue down. Would anyone
else like to share what they use for a gps mount?
I've had the gps for about a week, still haven't taken a trip more
than 20 miles.

I've got an older Garmin which I seldom use. Does not have voice or
Bluetooth but touch screen is no problem. There are house plugins for
USB ports for charging. They are only a few dollars.

I too have a simple Tracfone and Bluetooth-ed it to my new car. You
have to tell both devices to talk to each other. You turn them on near
each other and look for menus that recognize the unit being there. Maybe
your car dealer will help you with it. Salesman did mine and my wife's
but I went back when there was an upgrade requiring a new Tracfone. It
was funny as salesman there did everything and car did not recognize it.
The next day I found it working. You had to turn the car off and back
on. Many people have to go back and spend time with new car dealers to
figure out how to use the fancy electronics.

My dash mount is a simple thing almost like a shallow cup holder that is
glued to a flat part of the dash and is unobtrusive.

I opted not to buy a car with a GPS. Friend with one says map update
costs $200 at the dealer which is about $75 more than what I paid for my
Garmin with lifetime map updates.

[John B. Smith]

Post by Frank

Post by John B. Smith
I finally scratched the itch to own a gps. I have not much use for one
as don't take many trips, but just once in a while one might come in
handy. Price was a whopping $229, in Walmart no less. First nasty
surprise was trying to update. Garmin said my WinXP was unsuitable and
wouldn't touch it. Which I find very cheesy and cheap. However i
double boot with Win7 and Garmin accepted that and i got updated with
the new maps and whatever improvements to the device they'd made.
It told me my USB connection on my desktop was not sufficient to
charge the device. I was surprised as it charges most everything else.
And the only other way to charge it, that I currently have, is to plug
it into 12v outlet on the car. Of course this RUNS the device fine,
but on the 15 minute trips I take around town the device never reaches
full charge. The 12v car outlet turns off when I turn the ignition
off. Is there something available that you can buy and plug into a
120v wall outlet that has a USB outlet to charge this thing? Also
there appears to be no way to see how much charge the thing has. Or
maybe the battery icon changes color or something?
Next irritation was the crankiness of the gps's screen buttons. I
mostly have been using its Voice Command to input destinations, but as
far as 'Shaping' one of their chosen routes the touch screen is quite
infuriating. I looked up a cell phone stylus on Amazon (I don't have a
real cell phone, just an emergency Trakfone, no data plan). Does
anyone use this stylus gimmick to input their trips? I find the
typewriter thing for addresses to be impossibe for my human-sized
fingers. Keeps jumping to another screen.
Of course I don't think I've ever encountered a touch screen (I don't
own one, except this new gps) that wasn't a pain in the ass.
Volume is not loud enough with windows open. I tried to ascertain
volume on these devices before I purchased but it was impossible. I am
seriously deaf, two $2000 hearing aids, still don't hear worth a damn.
The gps has BLUETOOTH (wow!!). My new car has BLUETOOTH (wow!!). But
of course they can't talk to each other and get the gps to talk thru
the car speakers. It seems anything BLUETOOTH (wow!!) has to do with
cell phones and probably doesn't work worth a shit with them either.
I have no interest in getting traffic alerts.
So I almost returned the thing to Walmart because it was pissing me
off so much. But I guess I got hooked on the little toy. I've wasted
FAR more money on my other electronic crap.
I've ordered a 9" flexible windshield mount off ebay
https://www.ebay.com/itm/IG2-22A-Flexible-9-windshield-mount-for-Garmin-Nuvi-DEZL-NuviCAM-GPS/330606346189?hash=item4cf9ac7fcd:g:iEEAAMXQrNtR3v9x
I looked at stuff that sits on your dash but most people seem to find
they slide around or discolor you dash if they glue down. Would anyone
else like to share what they use for a gps mount?
I've had the gps for about a week, still haven't taken a trip more
than 20 miles.

I've got an older Garmin which I seldom use. Does not have voice or
Bluetooth but touch screen is no problem. There are house plugins for
USB ports for charging. They are only a few dollars.

I did see something like that in Walmart but you had to choose a
charging voltage (current?) and would have no idea what to pick for
the gps.

Post by Frank
I too have a simple Tracfone and Bluetooth-ed it to my new car. You
have to tell both devices to talk to each other. You turn them on near
each other and look for menus that recognize the unit being there. Maybe
your car dealer will help you with it.

That's a thought, but when the local dealer lo-balled me on my
trade-in I drove 50 miles to buy new car. Now I'm a litle leery about
visiting local dealer for favors. I'll probably try your suggestion
anyway though. I did turn them on together and look for menus on the
car but could see nothing. Wouldn't even consider trying the mess with
idiot cellphone though.


Salesman did mine and my wife's

Post by Frank
but I went back when there was an upgrade requiring a new Tracfone. It
was funny as salesman there did everything and car did not recognize it.
The next day I found it working. You had to turn the car off and back
on. Many people have to go back and spend time with new car dealers to
figure out how to use the fancy electronics.
My dash mount is a simple thing almost like a shallow cup holder that is
glued to a flat part of the dash and is unobtrusive.

Middle of my dash is supposed to be kept clear for cameras or
something. The left side area is kinds small and cramped for placing a
gps 'pillow' on. I'll see how the goose-neck gadget I've got on order
works. Maybe revisit the idea.

Post by Frank
I opted not to buy a car with a GPS. Friend with one says map update
costs $200 at the dealer which is about $75 more than what I paid for my
Garmin with lifetime map updates.

[Frank]

Post by John B. Smith

Post by Frank

Post by John B. Smith
I finally scratched the itch to own a gps. I have not much use for one
as don't take many trips, but just once in a while one might come in
handy. Price was a whopping $229, in Walmart no less. First nasty
surprise was trying to update. Garmin said my WinXP was unsuitable and
wouldn't touch it. Which I find very cheesy and cheap. However i
double boot with Win7 and Garmin accepted that and i got updated with
the new maps and whatever improvements to the device they'd made.
It told me my USB connection on my desktop was not sufficient to
charge the device. I was surprised as it charges most everything else.
And the only other way to charge it, that I currently have, is to plug
it into 12v outlet on the car. Of course this RUNS the device fine,
but on the 15 minute trips I take around town the device never reaches
full charge. The 12v car outlet turns off when I turn the ignition
off. Is there something available that you can buy and plug into a
120v wall outlet that has a USB outlet to charge this thing? Also
there appears to be no way to see how much charge the thing has. Or
maybe the battery icon changes color or something?
Next irritation was the crankiness of the gps's screen buttons. I
mostly have been using its Voice Command to input destinations, but as
far as 'Shaping' one of their chosen routes the touch screen is quite
infuriating. I looked up a cell phone stylus on Amazon (I don't have a
real cell phone, just an emergency Trakfone, no data plan). Does
anyone use this stylus gimmick to input their trips? I find the
typewriter thing for addresses to be impossibe for my human-sized
fingers. Keeps jumping to another screen.
Of course I don't think I've ever encountered a touch screen (I don't
own one, except this new gps) that wasn't a pain in the ass.
Volume is not loud enough with windows open. I tried to ascertain
volume on these devices before I purchased but it was impossible. I am
seriously deaf, two $2000 hearing aids, still don't hear worth a damn.
The gps has BLUETOOTH (wow!!). My new car has BLUETOOTH (wow!!). But
of course they can't talk to each other and get the gps to talk thru
the car speakers. It seems anything BLUETOOTH (wow!!) has to do with
cell phones and probably doesn't work worth a shit with them either.
I have no interest in getting traffic alerts.
So I almost returned the thing to Walmart because it was pissing me
off so much. But I guess I got hooked on the little toy. I've wasted
FAR more money on my other electronic crap.
I've ordered a 9" flexible windshield mount off ebay
https://www.ebay.com/itm/IG2-22A-Flexible-9-windshield-mount-for-Garmin-Nuvi-DEZL-NuviCAM-GPS/330606346189?hash=item4cf9ac7fcd:g:iEEAAMXQrNtR3v9x
I looked at stuff that sits on your dash but most people seem to find
they slide around or discolor you dash if they glue down. Would anyone
else like to share what they use for a gps mount?
I've had the gps for about a week, still haven't taken a trip more
than 20 miles.

I've got an older Garmin which I seldom use. Does not have voice or
Bluetooth but touch screen is no problem. There are house plugins for
USB ports for charging. They are only a few dollars.

I did see something like that in Walmart but you had to choose a
charging voltage (current?) and would have no idea what to pick for
the gps.

Post by Frank
I too have a simple Tracfone and Bluetooth-ed it to my new car. You
have to tell both devices to talk to each other. You turn them on near
each other and look for menus that recognize the unit being there. Maybe
your car dealer will help you with it.

That's a thought, but when the local dealer lo-balled me on my
trade-in I drove 50 miles to buy new car. Now I'm a litle leery about
visiting local dealer for favors. I'll probably try your suggestion
anyway though. I did turn them on together and look for menus on the
car but could see nothing. Wouldn't even consider trying the mess with
idiot cellphone though.
Salesman did mine and my wife's

Post by Frank
but I went back when there was an upgrade requiring a new Tracfone. It
was funny as salesman there did everything and car did not recognize it.
The next day I found it working. You had to turn the car off and back
on. Many people have to go back and spend time with new car dealers to
figure out how to use the fancy electronics.
My dash mount is a simple thing almost like a shallow cup holder that is
glued to a flat part of the dash and is unobtrusive.

Middle of my dash is supposed to be kept clear for cameras or
something. The left side area is kinds small and cramped for placing a
gps 'pillow' on. I'll see how the goose-neck gadget I've got on order
works. Maybe revisit the idea.

Post by Frank
I opted not to buy a car with a GPS. Friend with one says map update
costs $200 at the dealer which is about $75 more than what I paid for my
Garmin with lifetime map updates.

With USB charger, I never considered the voltage figured it would charge
anything plugged in. I understand some cars have them but they are
under-powered for charging.

My brother had nearly a 50 mile drive to dealer but drove back there to
learn electronics. His salesman was new and didn't know and someone
else there helped him.

[John B. Smith]

On Sat, 28 Jul 2018 10:50:50 -0400, Frank <***@frank.net> wrote:

I did purchase a wall charger for my DriveSmart7. I went to Amazon and
discovered herds of people who are looking for a charger. Many
purchased the wrong charger or it wouldn't work. Reading all the
comsumer comments I came across a lady who wrote "call Garmin for what
charger you need 1-800-800-1020". So I did that and the Garmin guy
told me to look up Amazon item 010-11478-02 on Amazon $22. He also
told my the unit WOULD charge on the computer usb port (though the
device says it won't when you plug it in) but that it is a
trickle-charge that takes about 12 hours. So I ordered charger. It
comes with both a mini-usb plug and a micro-usb plug. The DriveSmart 7
is apparently a mini and it charged fine with my new wall charger. I
can play with the DriveSmart in the house without having my car
running to rehearse my trip creating skills. Need to get near a window
to get satellite reception.
Actually I discovered that the DriveSmart was already charged up from
about 10 days of having it plugged into my car. (the outlet is only
powered when the car is running). But the only indication of a battery
charge was either the 'charging' symbol (lightning flash inside a
battery) or an all-red battery. I interpreted the red as being
no-charge. However I had occasion to go back to GarminExpress a 2nd
time (the first time I just updated the maps). The 2nd time I
registered the DriveSmart (they only wanted my email address). But
when I was finishing up I noticed the the battery symbol had changed
to all-green! It SEEMS like it wouldn't display green till I
registered?????
I'm having a little better luck 'shaping' my trips to my liking. The
map likes to zoom out to max (stuff gets tiny, street names disappear)
as soon as I click the shaping icon. You're supposed to be able to
zoom back in but usually the + is greyed out and defeats you. I'm
having good luck by 'saving a location' by clicking the car symbol
when I'm already at a destination, then asking the DriveSmart to
navigate to that saved place from my home. That gets me all the way
into a parking lot.
Today the unit quit cold on me. I can't remember how I turned the
thing off, maybe I didn't let it time out in 15 seconds when I shut
off my ignition, instead using the on switch to switch it off? Anyway,
fussing around with it on my wall charger I held the on button for
quite a while and it came back on. In the DeviceCare section of the
manual it tells you it can be 'reset' by doing this. All my trips and
saved stuff was still there.
I also bought a 32G memory card and plugged it in. I haven't figured
out how to save stuff into it. My saves seem to go where ever the
device wants to put them.
I also purchased a little weighted 'bed' that rests on the dash with
a prong to fasten the DriveSmart in. Not quite as slick as the long
arm that I bought that suction-cups to windshield (mentioned in my
earlier post), but it allows taking unit off dash to 'hide' it out of
sight when you park, and also to bring the device close to your face
when you try to vocally dictate instructions to it. I think close to
my face it 'understands' me better.
Also bought a cell phone stylus. It helps with route shaping and also
typing on the typewriter screen. Easier typing with the unit in my lap
than suctioned to the window too.

[The Real Bev]

Post by John B. Smith
Also bought a cell phone stylus. It helps with route shaping and also
typing on the typewriter screen. Easier typing with the unit in my lap
than suctioned to the window too.

The 99-cent-store variety works just as well as the more expensive ones.
AND a lot of businesses are handing out pens with a ballpoint on one
end and a rubber stylus-thing on the other OR surrounding the ballpoint.
Those work nicely too.

[Frank]

Post by John B. Smith
I did purchase a wall charger for my DriveSmart7. I went to Amazon and
discovered herds of people who are looking for a charger. Many
purchased the wrong charger or it wouldn't work. Reading all the
comsumer comments I came across a lady who wrote "call Garmin for what
charger you need 1-800-800-1020". So I did that and the Garmin guy
told me to look up Amazon item 010-11478-02 on Amazon $22. He also
told my the unit WOULD charge on the computer usb port (though the
device says it won't when you plug it in) but that it is a
trickle-charge that takes about 12 hours. So I ordered charger. It
comes with both a mini-usb plug and a micro-usb plug. The DriveSmart 7
is apparently a mini and it charged fine with my new wall charger. I
can play with the DriveSmart in the house without having my car
running to rehearse my trip creating skills. Need to get near a window
to get satellite reception.
Actually I discovered that the DriveSmart was already charged up from
about 10 days of having it plugged into my car. (the outlet is only
powered when the car is running). But the only indication of a battery
charge was either the 'charging' symbol (lightning flash inside a
battery) or an all-red battery. I interpreted the red as being
no-charge. However I had occasion to go back to GarminExpress a 2nd
time (the first time I just updated the maps). The 2nd time I
registered the DriveSmart (they only wanted my email address). But
when I was finishing up I noticed the the battery symbol had changed
to all-green! It SEEMS like it wouldn't display green till I
registered?????
I'm having a little better luck 'shaping' my trips to my liking. The
map likes to zoom out to max (stuff gets tiny, street names disappear)
as soon as I click the shaping icon. You're supposed to be able to
zoom back in but usually the + is greyed out and defeats you. I'm
having good luck by 'saving a location' by clicking the car symbol
when I'm already at a destination, then asking the DriveSmart to
navigate to that saved place from my home. That gets me all the way
into a parking lot.
Today the unit quit cold on me. I can't remember how I turned the
thing off, maybe I didn't let it time out in 15 seconds when I shut
off my ignition, instead using the on switch to switch it off? Anyway,
fussing around with it on my wall charger I held the on button for
quite a while and it came back on. In the DeviceCare section of the
manual it tells you it can be 'reset' by doing this. All my trips and
saved stuff was still there.
I also bought a 32G memory card and plugged it in. I haven't figured
out how to save stuff into it. My saves seem to go where ever the
device wants to put them.
I also purchased a little weighted 'bed' that rests on the dash with
a prong to fasten the DriveSmart in. Not quite as slick as the long
arm that I bought that suction-cups to windshield (mentioned in my
earlier post), but it allows taking unit off dash to 'hide' it out of
sight when you park, and also to bring the device close to your face
when you try to vocally dictate instructions to it. I think close to
my face it 'understands' me better.
Also bought a cell phone stylus. It helps with route shaping and also
typing on the typewriter screen. Easier typing with the unit in my lap
than suctioned to the window too.

I've actually never charged my gps as it will work when being used and
plugged into the car. It might get recharged a bit when I update maps
in the computer.

Good idea to add that extra chip as when devices get older, maybe maps
get bigger, you need more memory.

[John B. Smith]

Post by Frank
I've actually never charged my gps as it will work when being used and
plugged into the car. It might get recharged a bit when I update maps
in the computer.

I think it charges faster in the car even if screen is displaying and
it's seeking satellites. That alternator has tons of amps to serve up.

I guess I'm too slow-minded to play with trip planning and adjusting
routes while in the car. The car needs to be started, or at least the
ignition turned on to get power to the gps. And I don't find the gps
terribly cooperative or conforming to its manual to get things done.
It may be that I'm used to computers. I'm used to them and they mostly
behave as i expect. The gps is NOT like that.

That said, now that I can tell when it has a complete charge (battery
symbol green) I can take it into the house or anywhere and have an
hour of battery time to play with it on battery. The goal is to
educate my slow-witted brain to be able to use it on-the-fly in the
drivers seat without a lot of wrong guesses. Of course I don't mean
while actually driving the car at the same time.

I wonder how often you can pull the gps out of its mounting socket
before it starts getting loose?

Post by Frank
Good idea to add that extra chip as when devices get older, maybe maps
get bigger, you need more memory.

In Win7 the chip shows up as a seperate entity in WindowsExplorer. The
gps isn't mounted as a drive though, has no icon in the lower toolbar
to click to dismount the gps, like a regular drive does. I shut the
computer down before unplugging it to play safe.

I see you can buy a chip with maps of exotic places on garmin.com. Not
sure how you access them when you plug the chip in?

[Frank]

Post by John B. Smith

Post by Frank
I've actually never charged my gps as it will work when being used and
plugged into the car. It might get recharged a bit when I update maps
in the computer.

I think it charges faster in the car even if screen is displaying and
it's seeking satellites. That alternator has tons of amps to serve up.
I guess I'm too slow-minded to play with trip planning and adjusting
routes while in the car. The car needs to be started, or at least the
ignition turned on to get power to the gps. And I don't find the gps
terribly cooperative or conforming to its manual to get things done.
It may be that I'm used to computers. I'm used to them and they mostly
behave as i expect. The gps is NOT like that.
That said, now that I can tell when it has a complete charge (battery
symbol green) I can take it into the house or anywhere and have an
hour of battery time to play with it on battery. The goal is to
educate my slow-witted brain to be able to use it on-the-fly in the
drivers seat without a lot of wrong guesses. Of course I don't mean
while actually driving the car at the same time.
I wonder how often you can pull the gps out of its mounting socket
before it starts getting loose?

Post by Frank
Good idea to add that extra chip as when devices get older, maybe maps
get bigger, you need more memory.

In Win7 the chip shows up as a seperate entity in WindowsExplorer. The
gps isn't mounted as a drive though, has no icon in the lower toolbar
to click to dismount the gps, like a regular drive does. I shut the
computer down before unplugging it to play safe.
I see you can buy a chip with maps of exotic places on garmin.com. Not
sure how you access them when you plug the chip in?

There are free maps available online. Site I bookmarked now appears to
be down though. Garmin maps used to be pricey with with gps with
lifetime maps I do not know today's prices.

[Ed Pawlowski]

Post by John B. Smith
I finally scratched the itch to own a gps. I have not much use for one
as don't take many trips, but just once in a while one might come in
handy. Price was a whopping $229, in Walmart no less. First nasty
surprise was trying to update. Garmin said my WinXP was unsuitable and
wouldn't touch it. Which I find very cheesy and cheap.

Really? No one supports XP since the stopped making coal fired
computers. Sometimes you just have to update.

Post by John B. Smith
It told me my USB connection on my desktop was not sufficient to
charge the device. I was surprised as it charges most everything else.
And the only other way to charge it, that I currently have, is to plug
it into 12v outlet on the car.

I have probably a dozen plug in chargers that came with one thing or
another. You can get them for less than $5. Some have multiple ports
too. One has 5 plugs ins.